Fireworks in Philly welcome 2013

By DENNY DYROFF, For the Journal Register News Service

Friday, December 28, 2012

When the sun goes down in Philadelphia on New Year’s Eve, it means that it’s time for the annual fireworks event — a gala pyrotechnics display that explodes over the Delaware River. The fireworks can be viewed from either Penn’s Landing on Delaware Avenue or Wiggins Park on the Camden side of the river.

Traditionally, the aerial fireworks extravaganza took place at midnight. This year, there will again be a show at midnight and another fireworks display at 6 p.m. on December 31.

Both fireworks displays, which last approximately 15 minutes each, will be launched from a barge in the middle of the Delaware River and will be choreographed to music played through speakers at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing and at Wiggins Park in Camden.

The first show, at 6 p.m., is titled “The Fire Within” and set to a family-friendly musical soundtrack of “Fire Bird Suite,” “Call of the Champions,” “Four Seasons” and other festive songs.

The second show, at midnight, is “Pop’n on the Delaware.” The show will feature music by radio-friendly pop artists such as The Wanted, FUN, Rihanna, Nikki Minaj, Usher, Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen.

A popular New Year’s Eve destination along the Delaware River to watch the fireworks is River Rink (Market Street and Delaware Avenue, 215-925-RINK, www.riverrink.com).

The rink will host its “19th Annual New Year’s Eve Party on Ice” from 5-7 p.m. and from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. The festive, non-alcoholic party with food, Mummers, party favors and live entertainment costs $35 for skaters and $25 for spectators.

Another riverside location to watch the show in the sky is the Independence Seaport Museum (211 S. Columbus Boulevard Philadelphia, 215-413-8655, www.phillyseaport.org) which will remain open late on New Year’s Eve for the 6 p.m. fireworks.

Guests can observe the fireworks from the second floor balcony overlooking the river. The event, which features music and a sparkling cider toast at 6 p.m., is included with regular admission. Adults, $12; seniors, children, college students, military, $10.

On the other side of the river, a good viewing location will be the Battleship New Jersey (62 Battleship Place, Camden, N.J., 866-877-6262, www.battleshipnewjersey.org) where visitors can watch the fireworks from the decks of the battleship. Prizes, music, food and bar service will be available. The ship opens at 4 p.m. for the 6 p.m. show, and 10 p.m. for the midnight show with tickets priced at $8.